A two-day program that joins three Castle Hill schools has become a shining example of team work and acceptance.

St Gabriel’s School pupils in years 4 and 5 with hearing impairment and intellectual disabilities were joined by year 9 students from neighbouring Gilroy College and year 4 pupils from St Bernadette’s Primary School for Design 2 Shine on Tuesday.

It aims to challenge children to think creatively and promote awareness and acceptance of disabilities.

‘‘The community building, watching the growth and how our students at St Gabriels just come out of their shell as they work with the mainstream kids is fabulous,’’ Dianne Hooke, the head of campus at St Gabriels School, said.

Gilroy College’s year 9 co-ordinator Gemma Muller organised a history timeline painting activity, damper making and colonial games including hopscotch and quoits.